'It was there then also.'
'Well, well, say no more about it, Mr. Reed,' said the good clergyman; 'if it was a piece of mischief, I leave the person who committed it, to the reproaches of his own conscience; he need suffer no greater punishment, if he has any feeling. Though I own it would be a satisfaction to me to know, that my old faithful horse was not to blame.'
Mr. Allen took leave, and the boys soon retired. When Frank went to his room he found William Gardiner in bed; and believing him to be asleep, took a long look at his talisman, revolving in his mind, whether it was his duty to tell all that he knew about the horse, or to be silent on the subject, for William's sake. He remained undecided; but felt no pain or compunction, for he was conscious, that as soon as he had found out the right course, he should not fail to adopt it.
After he had been in bed a short time, William Gardiner raised his head and said, 'Frank, are you asleep.'
'No.'
'Why don't you talk then.'
'I thought you were asleep.'
'No, I am wide awake; I can't get to sleep. What is that little box you have been looking at, so earnestly.'
'It is something.'